Last year at this time, the Cardinals had until the fifth day of the league year to decide whether to pay quarterback Kevin Kolb a $7 million roster bonus. While waiting for Peyton Manning to pick his next team, the Cards decided to keep Kolb.
After that point, it was a no-brainer that Kolb would be on the team, since his base salary was only $1 million, along with a $500,000 roster bonus.
This year, the same day brings another seven-figure decision. And while this time it’s only a $2 million roster bonus, it will be chased by a $9 million base salary and a $500,000 workout bonus.
There’s a chance the Cards will pay the $2 million for the ability to make a $9 million decision later. But cutting Kolb would drop his $13.5 million cap number to $6 million, creating (abacus on) $7.5 million in extra cap breathing room.
Last month, team president Michael Bidwill acknowledged that the situation would require discussion and consideration. In the end, it could require a significant restructuring/reduction by Kolb, or he’ll be on the market.
If that happens, maybe Andy Reid would sign Kolb in Kansas City, and trade him in a year or two for a second-round draft pick.